“Our record-breaking EXPO demonstrates the hunger of airlines to better passenger experience with billions of dollars being invested annually,” APEX/IFSA CEO Joe Leader stated. “We are proud of the forward progress that our members are driving to enhance aviation worldwide with the best in-flight entertainment, connectivity, comfort, food, beverage, and service.”

During APEX EXPO, airline and vendor dedication to passenger experience was honored during the annual APEX Award Ceremony, which was hosted by The Points Guy CEO and Founder Brian Kelly.

Awards included:
•APEX Awards: Honoring innovators in passenger experience who have successfully implemented new programs and services this year.
•The Official Airline Ratings™: Four- and five-star airlines were recognized as part of the first airline rating program based solely on verified and certified passenger feedback.
•Passenger Choice Awards: Recognizing excellence in seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment and Wi-Fi.
•APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award: Emirates President Sir Tim Clark was honored by APEX with their coveted CEO Lifetime Achievement Award which celebrated his more than 45 years of dedicated service to the airline industry.
•APEX Outstanding Contribution Award: APEX presented Pierre Schuberth with the APEX Outstanding Contribution Award for his decades of selfless work, vision and dedication as a leader in developing technical solutions to some of the industry’s biggest challenges.
•APEX Cool Award: Created to recognize the innovative APEX spirit showcased each year at the APEX EXPO, this year fellow exhibitors voted Thales the winner of the 2017 APEX Cool Award.

Based on early bookings during the event, APEX EXPO 2018 in Boston will be a sold-out event, with nearly 85% of booth space already booked before the conclusion of the Long Beach event. APEX will once again be co-locating with IFSA and AIX Americas in Boston.

About The Airline Passenger Experience (APEX)
APEX encompasses a network of businesses and professionals that are committed to providing a world-class airline experience for passengers around the globe. As a non-profit, APEX reinvests all of its resources to better serve its members. Every day, APEX members evaluate the passenger experience through an influential community and are improving every aspect of the airline experience: from designing, building and installing seating, entertainment and communications systems on commercial aircraft, to airport lounges and inflight dining. APEX works to strengthen the industry and enable business opportunities through education, innovation, networking and recognition. For more information, please visit apex.aero.